KCRW's The Spin-Off: Drama Problems at HBO, Which New Shows Will Score Emmy Noms?

HBO has a problem with dramas--or lack thereof. Game of Thrones is still a massive hit, but that’s the only show the network has going for it right now, and it just wrapped up a sixth season.

Earlier in the year, HBO announced they’d renew Vinyl for a second season, even though the initial numbers were not great and critics’ reviews were mixed. But since then, there’s been a changing of the guard at HBO and we just learned a second season is now a no-go.

They’ve got the highly anticipated Westworld debuting in the fall, but that production has been plagued with problems and the premiere pushed back multiple times. However, HBO has endured dry spells before, and they’ve still having great success with comedies like Silicon Valley and Veep.

And on the Emmy front, the first nominating window has officially closed, so we’re waiting to see who made the list of nominees.

The Television Academy is known for nominating perennial favorites, and in the drama category this year, there’s not a ton of opportunity for new shows to break through. Lots of people would like to see The Americans or Mr. Robot to be recognized, but there may not be room for both.

The best comedy actress category is another one filled to the brim with opportunity. The question remains as to how far the Academy is willing to reach outside the tried and true.